Christians believe the body is a gift from God for a few key reasons, rooted in their understanding of creation, incarnation, and resurrection:
* Creation Narrative: The Bible, specifically Genesis, describes God as creating humanity "in his image" (Genesis 1:27). This implies that the human body, as part of the created being, reflects something of God's own nature and is inherently good. Creation itself is seen as an act of divine love and generosity, and the body is a fundamental part of that creation.
* Incarnation of Jesus Christ: Christians believe that God the Son took on human form in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14). This doctrine, known as the Incarnation, elevates the significance of the human body. By becoming human, Jesus sanctified and redeemed the physical realm, showing that the body is not inherently sinful or evil, but capable of being a vessel for the divine.
* Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the Promise of Bodily Resurrection: The central event in Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Christians believe that Jesus rose bodily, demonstrating the triumph over death and the promise of future bodily resurrection for believers. This highlights the importance of the body in God's plan of salvation. It suggests that our physical existence is not merely temporary but has eternal significance.
* Temple of the Holy Spirit: The Apostle Paul refers to the body as a "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19). This means that the Holy Spirit, God's presence within believers, dwells in the body. This gives the body a sacred quality and implies a responsibility to care for it as a dwelling place for God.
* Physicality of Worship and Service: Christian faith is not solely intellectual or spiritual; it involves physical actions like prayer, communion (the Eucharist), baptism, acts of service, and caring for others. These actions demonstrate that the body is an important instrument for expressing faith and love.
In summary, the Christian belief that the body is a gift from God stems from the understanding that God created humanity in his image, that Jesus Christ sanctified the body through the Incarnation, that the resurrection promises future bodily existence, that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and that faith is expressed through physical actions. This leads to the conclusion that the body is a valuable and integral part of God's plan for humanity.