Where does the Bible call the church the Body of Christ?
Scripture calls the church the Body of Christ in chapter 12, verse 27, saying, "you are the Body of Christ in total, but members in particular." Ephesians 1:22-23 also calls the church His Body, and Ephesians 3:6 says Gentiles are of the same body.
Les explains that the church is called the Body of Christ in chapter 12, verse 27, where believers are the Body in total yet members in particular. He then turns to Ephesians 1:20-23, where Paul writes that God raised Christ, seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies, far above all principality, power, might, dominion, and every name, put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be Head over all things to the church, the Ecclesia, which is now the Body of Christ. Ephesians 1:23 calls the church His Body, the fullness or compliment, meaning Christ considers Himself complete when the Body is in His presence. Les illustrates this with Adam and Eve: as Eve was Adam's completion and helpmeet, so the Body of Christ will be Christ's completion. In Ephesians 3:5-6, Gentiles are fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ.
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
More Questions
Why does Paul always call the church 'Christ's body'?
Les teaches that Paul always uses the terms 'church' and 'body' together in unison, equating the church with Christ's body.
Does Paul use 'church' and 'body' interchangeably?
Paul consistently uses the terms 'church' and 'body' in unison, saying 'the church, which is his body' or 'the body, which is the church,' so they refer to the same thing.
What does the word 'fullness' mean in Ephesians 1:23 when it says the church is his body?
The church which is Christ's Body is the fullness of Him that filleth all in all, and the word 'fullness' means complement.