Church Is The Body

The Church Is The Body

Colosians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn28 over all creation, for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him – all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers – all things were created through him and for him. He himself is before all things and all things are held together31 in him. He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross – through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

The Church is a body, with Christ at its head. This is often quoted, but rarely are the full implications of this teaching realized. Read the New Testament carefully, and one will find that Jesus did not come into the world to institute a religion or leave us a Bible. He came to Earth to establish his Church. The Church was then tasked with the job of passing along the traditions and teachings of Christ to mankind. One of the methods used by the Church to communicate these traditions was to canonize scripture. Therefore, the Bible exists as a witness to the existence of God, and his dealings with his creation. The Bible is not a guide for church governance, or an instruction manual for believers. The Bible came out of the Church; not the other way around.

Despite their zeal, Protestants seem hamstrung because of their complete reliance on the individual's interpretation of scripture for spiritual and ecclesiastical guidance. Misinterpretation of scripture accounts for the myriad of Protestant denominations, many with conflicting dogma and teachings. Despite citing the doctrine of sola scriptura, Protestants are actually insecure in this conviction, evidenced by the fact that Bible bookstores exist, filled with innumerable volumes which purport to explain it all. This insecurity manifests itself in the form of fiery evangelism, and the predilection to enter into intense debate at the slightest provocation. In this way they continually reinforce their beliefs, while deep down they harbor lingering doubts.

Protestants flounder because they have chosen to base their beliefs on scripture, rather than in the Church. Most Protestant confessions of faith begin with a statement of belief in the primacy of scripture. The Westminster Confession of Faith is a prime example. This is a well-meaning, but misplaced faith. The second article of the above confession lists the approved canon of scripture which did not exist for over 300 years after Christ's resurrection. One therefore wonders what early Christians did before there was a Bible.