Quote:
Originally Posted by ErikJohnson
Are you objecting to my post, jms.mills? Do you disagree the church is the body of Christ and that all believers are a part of it? Kindly explain where I am in error, with any definitions you choose--if this is your intent.
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I do not disagree that the church is the figurative body of Christ. I only seek clarification on who (in your line of reasoning) you would include in the category of believers of Christ. There could be many different ways in which a person could "believe."
For example (this list is by no means conclusive):
1) One person may say a believer is one who simply acknowledges the existence of Christ (knowledge of Christ)
2) Another may say that a believer must follow the teachings of Christ (works). Then again, one must be able to define what teachings one must follow (another discussion... for anther thread).
3) Still some may say that one must acknowledge the divinity of Christ and realize that he/she is a sinner and requires the atonement that Christ paid to be free from those sins. (faith).
4) Member of a certain religious organization
5) Or, a combination of any of the above.
Personally, I feel that a person must acknowledge that Christ is his/her Savior, and follow the teachings of Christ to the best of their knowledge and ability. As to what those teachings are... that is another discussion. In my opinion, as long as an individual is honestly trying to follow the teachings of Christ (as they understand them) then they are true believers. Then, the individual must ally themselves to an organization, so they can commune with other believers. In the end, only the individual and God knows the inner heart and intentions of one's soul.
That said, the early church was organized as one "body." There were no divisions at that time. Any divisions/conflicts that did arise were met with quick and firm correction (hence, the reason many of Paul's letters to clarify doctrine). In the context of the early church, the body was, indeed, "all believers" of Christ. Today, I do not feel that verse has near the same application that it did when Paul penned his letters. If you are trying to say that Paul is somehow allowing/dismissing denominational differences in this verse(s), this is where I disagree. To say that Paul is condoning a denominational fracture of the church, in my opinion, would be taking the scripture(s) out of context.
I am misunderstanding you?
JMS