The Body of Christ is the other fundamental doctrine for the spiritual development of the Church. The Church is, according to the revelation given by the Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 1:22-23) the Body of Christ. In order for this to be a full reality, and above all, a real practice, the Church needs to be connected to the Head, the Lord Jesus. Jesus does not need to be recognized as having a mere title of “Head,” but rather there needs to be an environment where He can truly govern His Church. The Church, therefore, needs to be ready to receive His commands (revealed by means of spiritual gifts) and obey them. “To believe and obey all He ordains,” as the old hymn says.

In order to be ready to receive instructions from the Lord Jesus, the Church needs to be organized as a Body, in the form spelled out in chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians, and in Ephesians 4:1-16. Each member has a function and executed it faithfully. And all the members are edified by means of the spiritual gifts and the operation of the fivefold ministries.

In a healthy body, the various parts or organs depend on the brain in order to operate. No part acts without having a specific order from the Head. The same occurs in the Body of Christ. The Lord Jesus revealed His will regarding the members and the Churches. For this purpose He sent the Holy Spirit. (John 16:13-14).

In a normal body, each part was made to occupy a designated place in the larger whole, the Body. No member chooses their own place in the Body of Christ, either. The Lord God, by means of the Holy Spirit, places the members in the Body as He wishes (1 Cor 12:18, 28); and this choice is confirmed by the Government of the church (the pastors and elders). It is fitting that each faithful member submits to the Government of the Church, which was established by the Lord.

The Church is composed of faithful members and workers, who seek to obey the Lord’s directives and orientations for His pastors. Faith and faithfulness are two qualities that characterize the Church and which distinguish the true believer. Faithfulness means obedience to the Lord’s imperatives of the Word of God, and to the Lord’s guidelines for the daily life of the Church. It is fitting for the Church leaders (pastors and elders) to teach the Church that each member should participate in the edification of the Church, by faithfully carrying out the function the Lord gave the person in the Body.