Trying to define the one Body of Christ

[manichunter]

Is there a Spiritual Israel
We use the name Spiritual Israel within our congregation to make a distinction between the natural/flesh and blood unbelieving Israel and the Israel that does believe in the Messiah by spirit and truth (Rom 9:1-9; Rom 10:10-13; Rom 11:1-36; Eph 2:11-13). Most people use the word Christian to label themselves as believers in Yeshau. However, the original body of believers never referred to themselves by the title Christians (Acts 9:2; Acts 19:9; Acts 19: 23; Acts 24: 14-22; Acts 11:26). The world gave them this title as an insult to distinguish them from Judaism (I would not be surprise if the natural Jews gave them this name Christian as to say, we do not know them because they are no kin to us, they are heretics).

The early believers, who had a greater amount of knowledge and revelation than we do today, simply called themselves believers of the way. But you are right if you say to yourself, who is this guy and anyone else to name the Body of Christ.

 

[Peter]

The term Christian means "little Christ." The word Christ is an English transliteration of the Greek word Christos. The Greek word Christos is the equal to the Hebrew word Messhiach, or Messiah. As Jesus called us to "go and make disciples" it would not be offensive to be called a "little Messiah."

If you are seeking to truly define the Body of Christ, look no further than "the Body of Christ." This would be what scripture calls the Church. Scripture also calls the Church the "fullness of Him that fills all things." Of the Church, Christ is it's head (Eph. 5:23). Like your head is attached to your body, Christ (the Head) is attached to His (the Church).

Yours is a good question. But don't stop here, in this forum. Keep digging. How far back have Christians used the term "spiritual Israel" to describe themselves? Was it used in the 1st century, or is this yet another inovation that needs to be reformed?
Dig, and dig deep.