What is the function of the Body of Christ in Ephesians 5?
The function of the Body of Christ in Ephesians 5 is to respond to its Head, Christ. Just as a physical body's nerves report to the head, all believers are connected, so when one member hurts, every member should hurt. The Body also requires constant cleansing, which Christ provides by sanctifying and cleansing the Church.
Les explains that since believers are members of the body and share a common goal, they should get busy serving Him, working for reward. Returning to Ephesians 5, he says the whole function of the body is to respond to the Head, which is Christ. Using the physical body as an example, Les notes that if you hurt your toe or smash your thumb, you hurt all over because nerves go to the central computer that responds to every part. It is the same with the body of Christ: He is the Head, and if a believer in China is hurting, every believer around the world should hurt with him. Then in verse 25, husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it. In verse 26, Christ sanctifies and cleanses the Church, setting it apart, because the body needs constant cleansing just as the physical body does.