Christ has no body now but yours
No hands, no feet on earth but yours
Yours are the eyes with which He sees
Yours are the feet with which He walks
Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world
Yours are the hands
Christ has no body now but yours
No hands, no feet on earth but yours
Yours are the eyes with which He sees
Yours are the feet with which He walks
Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world
Yours are the hands
Christ has no body now but yours
No hands, no feet on earth but yours
Yours are the eyes with which He sees
Yours are the feet with which He walks
Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world
Yours are the hands
Christ Has No Body Now But Yours
Christ Has No Body Now But Yours Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "Christ Has No Body Now But Yours" by The Porter's Gate featuring Josh Garrels, released on 2023-07-08, presents a profound theological concept through simple, direct language. The Porter's Gate is a collective known for creating congregational music rooted in scripture and addressing contemporary issues, often collaborating with various artists. This track, featuring the distinct voice of Josh Garrels, aligns with their mission, offering a contemplative yet challenging reflection on the nature of faith and action in the world today. The collaboration brings together a unique blend of liturgical sensibility and Garrels' signature soulful folk style, grounding the weighty message in an accessible musical form.
The central message of the song is derived from a well-known theological idea often attributed to Teresa of Ávila, though its roots are deeply biblical. The lyrics state that Christ's presence and work on earth are now primarily manifested through the actions of His followers. This means that believers collectively serve as the physical presence of Christ in the world, carrying out His work of love, compassion, justice, and blessing. The repetition in the lyrics emphasizes the weight and importance of this truth – that the responsibility for demonstrating Christ's hands, feet, and eyes to the world falls directly upon the community of believers.
This concept is strongly supported by scripture. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of the Church as the "body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Romans 12:4-5, Ephesians 4:11-16), where each believer is a vital member, uniquely gifted yet interdependent, working together under Christ as the head. Furthermore, the call to action found in the song resonates with Jesus' commands to love one another (John 13:34-35), serve the least of these (Matthew 25:31-46), and be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The lyrics encapsulate the biblical truth that faith is not merely an internal belief system but an active expression of God's love and will through human hands and feet in the world.
The song serves as a powerful and potentially unsettling reminder that if Christ is to bless, heal, see, and walk among people today, it is through the willingness and actions of His followers. This perspective transforms the abstract concept of faith into a tangible call to embody Christ's likeness in daily life. It is an inspirational challenge, highlighting the privilege and responsibility that comes with being part of the body of Christ, urging listeners to consider how their own lives, their hands, their feet, and their eyes are being used to serve God's purposes in the world, extending His blessing to all.
The song's release in 2023, particularly within a project focused on themes of ecological care and social justice, adds a contemporary layer to this timeless message, suggesting that being the body of Christ in the world today includes actively engaging with pressing global issues. The music video released on July 8, 2023, visually complements this message, likely depicting scenes of service, community, and engagement with the world, further reinforcing the song's core theme that faith must be lived out through tangible action. The song is a moving and impactful statement about the active role believers are called to play in manifesting God's love and justice in the world.
