Comparison between the Body and the Church
|
Aspects |
The Body |
The Church |
|
Basic Meaning |
An organism for
Christ to be the life of believers |
An assembly for
God to carry out His administration |
|
Main Function |
To
grow Christ and express Christ |
To
execute divine administration |
|
Key Distinctions |
• Emphasizes life aspect • Focuses on organic growth • For organic expression |
• Emphasizes administrative aspect • Focuses on administrative management • For God's administration |
|
Specific Description |
• Is an organic entity • Lives by
Christ Himself • Lives to express Christ • Christ is
the essence of the Body |
• Has established positions • Has ordered management • Executes
God's eternal purpose |
|
Practical Operation |
• Growth in
life • Organic
building up • Expression of
Christ |
• Exercise of
gifts • Coordination
of functions • Execution of
administration |
|
Application |
• Pursuit of
life growth • Focus on
Christ's expression • Attention to
organic reality |
• Focus on
administrative coordination • Execution of
God's will • Attention to
practical matters |
|
Related Scripture |
1 Corinthians
12 |
1 Corinthians
14 |
Relationship
Between the Two
1. Unity in Essence:
o
The Body is the Church, and the Church is the Body
o
Both point to the same entity but viewed from different
angles
2. Complementary in Function:
o
The Body is responsible for expressing Christ
o
The Church is responsible for God's administration
o
Both are indispensable
3. Coordination in Practice:
o
The Body is needed to express Christ
o
The Church is needed to execute divine administration
o
They coordinate together to fulfill God's will
This table comprehensively compares the similarities and differences
between the Body and the
Church in various aspects. However, several key
points need special attention:
l Although
they point to the same entity, each has its special
function and emphasis
l The Body emphasizes the
life aspect, while the Church emphasizes
the administrative aspect
l The coordination of both accomplishes God's complete purpose
These observations highlight how the two aspects work
together while maintaining their distinct emphases.
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