The Body of Christ

  Last night I finally got time to sit down and really read.  I've been reading through Clyde Pilkington's book "Outsiders: The Called Out Ones" which is a study in the body of Christ.

   Much of what we traditonally believe constitutes the body of Christ has all been perverted by tradition.  Clyde's book is an examination of what scripture actually teaches the Body of Christ to be.  There are so many things to teach and learn in this miraculous living organism that the Holy Spirit joins together into Christ's literal Body.

  It is more than just a theological, or mental exercise.  We are literally a part of Christ, sharing in his sufferings, and also eventually sharing in his glory

Colossians 3:4

4 Whenever Christ, our Life, should be manifested, then you also shall be manifested together with Him in glory.

  The Body itself is hidden at this time, and only God knows who each individual is, however the day that Christ appears in glory, so also shall each member of the body be glorified and in that moment we are no longer hidden.  Wow!  What a promise.

2 Thess 2:7-8

7 For the secret of lawlessness is already operating. Only when the present detainer may be coming to be out of the midst,
8 then will be unveiled the lawless one (whom the Lord Jesus will despatch with the spirit of His mouth and will discard by the advent of His presence),

  The body of Christ detains the lawless one, until the Body of Christ is snatched away will he be revealed.  Who no doubt is the anti-christ himself.

  It is so essential to realize, however, that the Body of Christ is organized by the Spirit, and is itself thus defined.  Should we attempt to institutionalize it, or "enhance" it with tradition, we interfere, and even nullify that Spirit's work in us.  

Mark 7:13

13 invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you give over.

Colossians 2:8-9

8 Beware that no one shall be despoiling you through philosophy and empty seduction, in accord with human tradition, in accord with the elements of the world, and not in accord with Christ,

9 for in Him the entire complement of the Deity is dwelling bodily. 

  I will write more on this as I continue, but I wanted to share some of the more salient points as I'm studying this.  It's exciting stuff, and if you want to learn as well - I encourage you to go to;

www.studyshelf.com and order his book "The Outsiders: The Called out Ones"

Travis