Is the Church which is Christ’s Body (Ephesians 1:22) an organization or an organism? The difference may sound trite and overly persnickety but let’s look at the ramifications.
The fact that the Church is a “Body” made up of “living members” shows that it is not an “Organization,” but an “ORGANISM.” An “Organization” is made up of distinct units like the doors, windows, roof, floors, etc., of a building, that may be removed and replaced by new parts without destroying the integrity of the building; but a human body is an organism. You cannot remove an eye, or ear, or arm, or foot, or even a fingernail or tooth, without destroying the integrity of the body and causing a mutilation. So, we see from this for Christ to lose One Member of His Body (the Church) is to MUTILATE it. –Clarence Larkin
If the church is an organization | If the church is an organism |
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Let’s look at the evidence
- 1 Corinthians 10:17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many …
- 1 Corinthians 12:19 If they were all one part, where would the …
- 1 Corinthians 12:20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
- Romans 12:4 For just as each of us has one body with many members …
- 1 Corinthians 12:25 so that there should be no division in the …
- Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and …
- Ephesians 1:22 And God placed all things under his feet and …
- Ephesians 1:23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills …
- Ephesians 4:12 to equip his people for works of service, so that …
The Church is an organism
As we can see, there is a grand and glorious organism of the body of Christ, which is composed of many different members who have been supernaturally added by the power of the Holy Spirit.
seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue; by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience godliness; and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:3-11)
Dear Clarence Larkin,
I love your quote that the church is an organism, not an organization.
But might not one say that because Christ is the Head of the Body and the Church is the rest of the Body, couldn’t you say that is not a single organ, but many organs, as that that what a human body has?
And if two or more are gathered in His name, Christ is present, but the two or more are women, must they remain silent as Paul commanded in 1 Cor. Chapter 14? And every wedding is a picture of the Bride and Bridegroom of Christ. So wouldn’t a woman be allowed to say “I do” in her church wedding? Wouldn’t this destroy and mutilate the full function of “the church” as you say?
I look forward to your response.
In Him Alone,
James
Dear James,
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful reflections and questions. It’s wonderful to see your engagement with such profound concepts about the nature of the church.
Indeed, the analogy of the church as an organism, with Christ as the head and believers as the body, beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness and diversity within the church. Each member, like organs in a body, has a unique role and function, contributing to the health and growth of the whole. This diversity of roles and functions is what makes the church dynamic and vibrant, not just a static organization.
Regarding your question about women’s roles in the church, it’s essential to approach Scripture with a holistic view. While certain passages, like 1 Corinthians 14, discuss specific contexts and cultural settings, the overarching narrative of the Bible shows us that every believer, regardless of gender, has a vital role in the body of Christ. In Galatians 3:28, it says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This unity and equality in Christ is fundamental.
Concerning the role of women in church weddings and their participation, it’s important to remember that the cultural context of the early church was vastly different from ours today. The principle of mutual respect, love, and service that underpins Christian marriage is beautifully symbolized in the wedding ceremony. Saying “I do” is an expression of commitment and love, which aligns with the biblical values of a Christ-centered marriage.
Ultimately, the church, as an organism, is called to reflect the love, diversity, and unity found in Christ Himself. It’s in embracing these values that the church fully functions and flourishes, displaying the beauty of Christ to the world.
In His grace and love,
David