Deep Truth

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”—Ephesians 1:22–23 (NIV)

The Book of Ephesians is frequently referred to as “The Grand Canyon of the Bible” because it reveals spiritual realities to us that are so incredibly deep. Among these deep truths is the concept of Christ’s church being a body . . . His body. This is a theme that we see woven throughout Ephesians, as the church is identified as a body no less than nine times in just six chapters! This concept of the church (meaning all those who’ve personally trusted in Christ as their Lord and Savior) being a body is something we’re meant to know and embrace. So, let’s explore the depth of this truth a bit more.

In Ephesians 2:16, we’re told Jesus brought something new to life through His death. Prior to the cross, there was a hard line drawn between Jewish and non-Jewish people. When Christ died; however, the requirements and restrictions of the Law God had given to the Jewish people was fulfilled. The new requirement was now belief in what Jesus had done on the cross as the sin sacrifice for all humanity. This new work opened the way for all people, Jewish and non-Jewish, to enter into something totally new and different from what they knew before. A new body was born, a body of believers in Christ.

The conviction that Jews and non-Jews are now unified as fellow members in the body of believers in Christ is further emphasized in Ephesians 3:6 and Ephesians 4:4. There is “one body” in Christ, not several. This is important to understand because while the Bible allows for believers in Christ to have their differences, it doesn’t allow for a divided body. Each individual member of the body of Christ must understand they’re spiritually connected to every other member.

Elsewhere in 1 Corinthians 12:12 and Romans 12:4, we’re reminded that a physical body is at its best when its individual members are connected and working for the collective good of the whole body. A body cannot pick and choose what parts it wants and doesn’t want; all are necessary at some point to strengthen and protect the well-being of the whole body.

The same is true spiritually. The body of believers is strongest as each individual member embraces its responsibility and dependence on the other members. We need each other, because God has given each member of Christ’s body a spiritual gifting that, when used, contributes to the building up of the entire body. When each member exercises the spiritual gifts they’ve been given, it impacts every other member of the body in a positive way. It’s God’s desire that Christ’s body builds itself up (Ephesians 4:12).

And all of this is possible because each member of the body is connected to the head, Christ (Ephesians 4:16). He’s the one leading the way and supplying the strength to all who’ve been brought into this new existence. Each member remains linked to Him through their faith in Him as Savior (Ephesians 5:23).

As Christians, we’re connected not only to Christ, but to everyone else who’s connected to Him. We’re part of a body that wraps around the world and reaches from pole to pole. It’s a concept deeper than the Grand Canyon and one that only the Creator, Himself, could come up with!

“For we are members of his body.”—Ephesians 5:30 (NIV)

Pause: What spiritual truth does the Book of Ephesians want us to understand and embrace?

Practice: How does the concept of being part of a collective body encourage or challenge you? As you think about that, consider what your participation in your place within the body of Christ looks like. Are you active or are you absent?

Pray: Lord, I thank You for calling me, saving me, and placing me in Your body . . . the church. Help me to see my place in it as You do and may I be faithful to exercise the gifts You’ve given me for the benefit of the rest of Your body. I thank You for connecting me to Yourself and all others who are connected to You. Amen.