The Jesus Bible Reading Planნიმუში

MEMBERS OF CHRIST

Though some draw a sharp distinction between the spiritual and the physical, God made humanity neither a soulless body nor a body-less soul. Instead, God made humans as spiritual and physical creatures, integrating both in a complex whole that cannot be divided. Therefore, that which a human being does physically directly affects their spirituality, and vice versa.

While the fall of humanity in Genesis 3 perverted every aspect of creation, the created order should never be described as evil in its essence. If the Bible considered creation evil, Jesus could not have become human in the incarnation. Jesus did not come as a mirage, but instead he took on human flesh (Jn 1:14). Coming as a man, Jesus reconciled all things — the spiritual and the physical — to himself on the cross (Col 1:20). Because of this, the physical aspects of creation — including our bodies — can be directed toward good or evil (Ro 6:5 – 7).

This passage indicates that salvation created unity to such a degree that believers actually become members of Christ himself (1Co 6:15). Paul described the corporate body of Christ as a temple of the Holy Spirit. God did not purchase the believer’s body at a discount store for a small price; he purchased each person on the cross at the cost of his Son’s life. Therefore, the Christian is to honor God spiritually with their physical body (v. 20).

Jesus, help me to honor you with my physical body. Help me to make decisions that glorify you. Amen.