There is oneness in this Body, 1 Corinthians 12:
What is the Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12?
This Body of Christ is a spiritual reality. We are
born of the Paraclete. Jesus sent the Paraclete to dwell in us. Every believer with the Paraclete is a member of this Body of Christ, which is not a fleshly reality but a spiritual one. It is not the visible physical church. The Body of Christ is the true church existing in the spiritual realm.
Christ is the head of this church, Colossians 1:
The invisible Body of Christ is expressed visibly as the church. Every believer who has the Paraclete dwelling in him is a member of this spiritual church.
Ephesians 1:
Metaphorically, we play different parts in the body of Christ. Some are eyes, ears, nose, hands, feet, etc. (1 Corinthians 12:12-20).
No single institutionalized earthly visible church/denomination is the true church. Everyone born of the Spirit is connected to the organic Body of Christ as a spiritual reality in oneness. The Body of Christ is the true church as a spiritual organism.
Can I give a Catholic perspective? The Catholic Church's belief in the Body of Christ as the one true Church is based on both biblical teachings and theological reasoning. I will provide you, Mr. Chan, with several biblical verses and Catholic theological principles to support this claim.
Alright, here it goes.
First, let's consider some biblical verses (all in ESV):
1. Matthew 16:18-19: "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
In this passage, Jesus gives the keys of the kingdom to Peter, signifying that he will be the leader of His Church. This passage is understood by Catholics as a foundation for the papacy and the idea of an authoritative, visible Church on earth.
2. Ephesians 4:1-6: "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
This passage emphasizes the unity of the Church as the body of Christ, with one Spirit, one faith, and one baptism. This unity is essential to maintaining the bond of peace among believers.
3. Colossians 1:18: "And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Here, Paul refers to Christ as the head of the Church, emphasizing His role as the source and foundation of the Church.
Catholic theological reasoning:
1. The apostolic succession: Catholics believe in the continuity of the Church from its founding through an unbroken line of bishops, known as apostolic succession. This belief is based on the idea that Christ gave His apostles the power to teach and govern the Church (Matthew 28:19-20), and this authority was passed down through the laying on of hands by bishops.
2. The role of the Magisterium: Catholics believe that the Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, has the authority to teach infallibly on matters of faith and morals. This teaching office, known as the Magisterium, is exercised by the Pope and the bishops in union with him. This belief is grounded in Matthew 16:18-19, where Jesus gives Peter (and thus his successors) the keys to the kingdom.
3. The Eucharist as the source and summit of Church life: Catholics believe that the Eucharist is the source and summit of their faith and practice. This belief is based on Jesus' words at the Last Supper, where He institutes the sacrament of the Eucharist (Matthew 26:26-29). Catholics see the Church as the visible expression of Christ's presence in the world, and the Eucharist as the sacrament that unites them most intimately to Him.
In conclusion, Catholics believe that the Body of Christ is the one true Church because of biblical teachings, such as Jesus' establishment of Peter as the rock upon which He would build His Church (Matthew 16:18), and the unity of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-6). Additionally, Catholic theological reasoning, such as apostolic succession and the role of the Magisterium, further support this belief.
