The Body of Christ Is Not the Bride

Understanding Our Identity Through Right Division

Key Scripture

Our identity revealed: "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:22-23 KJV)

Introduction

Understanding our identity as the Body of Christ requires right division. The common teaching that confuses the Body with the Bride stems from mixing Israel's prophecy with mystery.

1. The Bride in Scripture

A. Prophetic Identity

• Israel's Position

  • New Jerusalem as bride: "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:2 KJV)

  • Clear identification: "Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife... shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem" (Revelation 21:9-10 KJV)

  • Israel's relationship: Connected to covenant promises

B. Kingdom Connection

• Prophecy 

  • Future fulfillment: Part of prophesy, Ages to Come.

  • Earthly kingdom: Connected to New Jerusalem

  • Israel's restoration: Part of kingdom promises

2. The Body of Christ Today

A. Mystery Identity

• Our Position

  • His body revealed: "Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:23 KJV)

  • Christ as head: "And he is the head of the body, the church" (Colossians 1:18 KJV)

  • Unity emphasized: "For as we have many members in one body" (Romans 12:4 KJV)

B. Distinct Relationship

• Grace Position

  • Mystery truth: "The mystery... which is Christ in you" (Colossians 1:27 KJV)

  • Members of Christ: "For we are members of his body" (Ephesians 5:30 KJV)

  • Heavenly position: "And made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6 KJV)

3. Key Differences

A. Distinctions

• Bride of Christ

  • Israel's identity

  • Prophecy 

  • Earthly kingdom

  • Covenant relationship

• Body of Christ

  • Mystery 

  • Heavenly position

  • Grace relationship

  • Member connection

4. Paul's Teaching

A. No Bride Reference

• Mystery Focus

  • Body emphasis: Never calls us bride

  • Member relationship: "We are members of his body" (Ephesians 5:30 KJV)

  • Unity with Christ: "He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV)

5. Current Understanding

A. Our Identity Today

• Body Truth

  • Complete in Him: "And ye are complete in him" (Colossians 2:10 KJV)

  • One with Christ: "For we are members of his body" (Ephesians 5:30 KJV)

  • Heavenly position: "Our conversation is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20 KJV)

Conclusion

Understanding Our Identity:

• Members of His Body

• Not Israel's Bride position

• Mystery truth

• Heavenly relationship

Remember

• Body not Bride

• Mystery not Prophecy

• Current not Future

• Grace relationship

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