The Christian Symbols of Cross and the Body of Christ - Essay Example

The Christian symbols of “cross” and the “Body of Christ”The most prominent and possibly the most important symbol of Christianity is the cross. It symbolizes the sacrificial demise of Jesus Christ for the redemption of the whole world. Cross is a widely known symbol of Christianity today. In Christianity, the cross symbolizes the intersection of God’s love and His justice. "Body of Christ" is used mean to the members of His church, throughout history. The body of Christ is the Church.

The body of Christ is sometimes differentiated into four bodies. These four bodies are: Christ’s physical body (Heb. 10:5), Christ’s resurrection body (Phil. 3:20-21), Christ’s symbolic body (1 Cor. 11:23-29), Christ’s institutional body—church of the New Testament God’s purpose for creating Adam was His desire to replicate Himself, reproduction of Himself and He implemented this in the Garden of Eden. Adam was God manifested in the flesh in the Garden of Eden. In Copeland’s teaching, it was a way to show that racism was not in Gods mind.

Those disagreeing with this use the bible to militate against Copeland’s teaching. Adam was not God manifested in the flesh. Jesus was exceptional in this respect (John 1:14). Beyond that Adam was undeniably subordinate to God (Copeland, audiotape #01-0304, side 1). Copeland alleged that Jesus became a demonic being on the cross: Copeland insists "Satan dominated Jesus on the Cross and took His spirit to the dark regions of hell Copeland's description of Christ's ordeal in hell is nothing short of chilling.

He (Jesus) allowed Himself to come under Satan's control" (Copeland, audiotape #02-0017, side 2).Copeland stated that the physical death on the cross did not pay the price for sin and that anybody could do that. According to him all prophets that walked on earth guided by the Abrahamic covenant would have paid the price if it were for the physical death (Copeland, audiotape #02-0017, side 2).Those in disagreement with Copeland’s allegation say because of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross, people who have their faith and trust in Him (Jesus) alone for salvation are guaranteed endless life (John 3:16).

However, Jesus called His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24).Works citedKenneth Copeland, _Authority of the Believer IV” (Fort Worth: Kenneth Copeland Ministries,1987), audiotape #01-0304, side 1.Kenneth Copeland, "What Happened from the Cross to the Throne" (Fort Worth, TX: KennethCopeland Ministries, 1990), audiotape #02-0017, side 2.The King James Study Bible: King James Version.

Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2008.Internet resource.