The term "body of Christ" is not to be thought of as illustrating the Church, it is not a parabolic expression, rather, it is a declaration of what we are:

1 Corinthians 12:27 "Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually."

There can be no mistaking the implication, clearly the Church is in reality the very body of Jesus Christ in which He operates. The responsibility of every member is to properly function to fulfill the purposes of Christ the living Head (Ephesians 4:15-16 ).

A brief glance at the New Testament references to the body of Christ indicates that as such we are:-

	Declaring our oneness in Christ (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 12:12 ).
	Devoted to Jesus our living Head (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 2:19 ).
	Different as individual body members (1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ).
	Developing in stature and service (Ephesians 4:11-13 ).
	Diversified in our worship contribution (1 Corinthians 14:26 ).

There is no doubt that the Lord's body is functional; what needs emphasis is that you have a function in His body. To improve our understanding of body life, we turn our attention to some of the valuable lessons to be found in consideration of the Lord's prepared human body, and that of the functions of the Lord's spiritual body, His people.