Many think that the phrase "body of Christ" is just a picture or a metaphor, but in fact it is a reality. Believers are the body of Christ on earth. The ministry of Jesus has continued through His people since the Day of Pentecost in 30 A.D. Frank Viola pinpoints this truth that is revolutionary, but became buried underneath human traditions.
What had taken place [on the Day of Pentecost]? The body of Christ was born on the earth. But what does that mean? It means this: The literal body of Jesus Christ had returned to earth. It expanded; God now had a family.
Jesus Christ in heaven had dispensed Himself into His body on earth. He returned to earth in the form of His body, the church, and His species was reintroduced to the planet.
In the eyes of God, the Church is nothing more and nothing less than Jesus Christ on earth. (From Eternity to Here)
In We Are Christ On Earth, Jon opens up a number of crucial implications flowing out of "Christ in us, the hope of glory." He presents perspectives that liberate the people of God to express and serve Jesus in endless ways. Perhaps we will better understand why Jesus said to Saul, "Why do you persecute Me?" when he was arresting and hurting believers.