The doctrine of the "body" in
First Corinthians... is a picture of the local church, (which) is distinguished
by a great variety of gifts, outlooks, and cultures. The various members belong
organically to each other in Christ, and are to exhibit that harmony
practically in their common life. The recognition of how they differ from each
other, and are yet one, is to enrich their worship, inspire their ministry, and
quicken their love. To divide the local church is... to witness to a divided
Christ, or to a discipleship to lesser masters than Christ, such as Paul or
Apollos. Both implications are equally unthinkable. There is no New Testament
pattern of serving the one Christ, except in one local body, formed by the
incorporation given in the one baptism, and the continued life sustained by
breaking and sharing the one bread.
-- C. O. Buchanan in “The Unity of the Church”
#4689
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