We know that Jesus had a body — he was born, lived, died, rose again, and ascended to heaven where He sits at the right hand of the Father.

There's another body of Christ, too — the Church.

But what exactly is it and why does it matter?

Being part of Christ's body isn't just a nice metaphor. It's real and tangible.

When you belong to the church, you receive specific gifts and gain brothers and sisters in Christ.

Church is where Jesus promises to be. It's where we eat His body and drink His blood. It's where forgiveness happens.

Not going to church would be like spiritually starving yourself.

Our faith needs nourishment just like our bodies do. The body follows the head, and the head is Jesus.

It’s not going to look perfect. The church is full of sinners, but the good news is that Jesus is really good at saving people like us.

Your salvation isn't something that can be reversed. There are no take-backsies with Jesus.

Even when you mess up (and you will), even when the people around you are just as broken (and they are), Jesus keeps forgiving.

The body will follow where the head leads — and the head rose from the dead.

When you go to church and hear Jesus preached, receive absolution, and take communion, you're with Jesus.

You're already connected to the resurrection because He conquered sin and death.

Your faith is about going to Jesus, who is in your church through the Holy Spirit.

There, you become part of His body.

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

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