Topical Bible: Church: Christ, Head of

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The concept of Christ as the head of the Church is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, emphasizing the relationship between Jesus Christ and His followers. This doctrine is rooted in several New Testament passages that highlight Christ's authority, leadership, and intimate connection with the Church, which is often referred to as His body.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul articulates the idea of Christ as the head of the Church in several of his epistles. In Ephesians 1:22-23 , Paul writes, "And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." This passage underscores the supremacy of Christ over all things and His unique role as the head of the Church, which is described as His body, indicating a profound unity and interdependence.

Further, in Ephesians 5:23 , Paul draws a parallel between the relationship of a husband and wife and that of Christ and the Church: "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior." Here, the headship of Christ is linked to His role as Savior, emphasizing His sacrificial love and care for the Church.

Colossians 1:18 also affirms this doctrine: "And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence." This verse highlights Christ's preeminence and His role as the source of life and resurrection for the Church.

Theological Implications

The headship of Christ over the Church carries significant theological implications. It affirms the authority of Christ in all matters concerning the Church, both in doctrine and practice. As the head, Christ is the source of spiritual life and growth for the Church, guiding and sustaining it through the Holy Spirit.

This doctrine also emphasizes the unity and diversity within the Church. As members of Christ's body, believers are called to function in harmony, each contributing their unique gifts and talents for the edification of the whole. In 1 Corinthians 12:27 , Paul states, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." This imagery reinforces the interconnectedness of believers under the headship of Christ.

Practical Application

Understanding Christ as the head of the Church has practical implications for Christian living and church governance. It calls for submission to Christ's authority and adherence to His teachings as revealed in Scripture. Church leaders and members alike are to seek Christ's guidance in decision-making and ministry, recognizing His ultimate authority over the Church.

Moreover, this doctrine encourages believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Christ, who is not only the head but also the Savior and Shepherd of His people. It inspires a commitment to unity, love, and service within the Church, reflecting the character and mission of Christ in the world.

In summary, the headship of Christ over the Church is a central tenet of Christian faith, affirming His authority, leadership, and intimate relationship with His followers. Through this doctrine, believers are called to live in unity and submission to Christ, who is the source of life and guidance for His Church.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 118:22,23
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
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Isaiah 33:22
For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.
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Isaiah 55:4
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
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Matthew 12:6,8
But I say to you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
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Matthew 21:42,43
Jesus said to them, Did you never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?
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Matthew 23:8,10
But be not you called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all you are brothers.
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Mark 2:28
Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
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Mark 12:10
And have you not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
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Luke 6:5
And he said to them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
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Luke 20:17,18
And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
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John 13:13
You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am.
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John 15:1-8
I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer.
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Acts 2:36
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made the same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
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Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
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Romans 9:5
Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
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1 Corinthians 3:11
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
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1 Corinthians 11:3
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
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1 Corinthians 12:5
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
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Ephesians 1:10,22,23
That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
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Ephesians 2:20-22
And are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
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Ephesians 4:15
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
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Ephesians 5:23-32
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.
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Colossians 1:13,18
Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
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Colossians 2:10,19
And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
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Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
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Hebrews 3:3,6
For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house has more honor than the house.
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1 Peter 2:7
To you therefore which believe he is precious: but to them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
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Revelation 1:13
And in the middle of the seven candlesticks one like to the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the breasts with a golden girdle.
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Revelation 2:1,9,12,13,18,19
To the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things said he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the middle of the seven golden candlesticks;
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Revelation 3:1,7
And to the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things said he that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and are dead.
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Revelation 5:6
And I beheld, and, see, in the middle of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the middle of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
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Revelation 21:22,23
And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
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Revelation 22:16
I Jesus have sent my angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
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Library

Whether Christ is the Head of the Church?
... And hence the Holy Ghost is likened to the heart, since He invisibly quickens and
unifies the Church; but Christ is likened to the Head in His visible nature ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ is the head.htm

Whether the Grace of Christ, as Head of the Church, is the Same as ...
... Objection 1: It would seem that the grace whereby Christ is Head of the Church
and the individual grace of the Man are not the same. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the grace of christ 3.htm

Whether it is Proper to Christ to be Head of the Church?
... OF THE GRACE OF CHRIST, AS HE IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH (EIGHT ARTICLES)
Whether it is proper to Christ to be Head of the Church? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is proper to 3.htm

Of the Grace of Christ, as He is the Head of the Church (Eight ...
... (1) Whether Christ is the Head of the Church? ... (5) Whether the grace of Christ as
Head of the Church is the same as His habitual grace as an individual man? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of the grace of christ 2.htm

On the Head and the Marks of the Church
... of God, who is both the head of the church according to nature, and her creator,
to bestow on his church his Son Jesus Christ, made man, as her head, by whom ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation liii on the head.htm

The Temple which Christ Says He Will Raise up is the Church. How ...
... in one interpretation at least, to be types of the Church, and to ... on the foundation
of the Apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus being the head corner-stone ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/20 the temple which christ.htm

The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition; Distinctions.
... Two ideas are contained in this symbol: a) The Relation of the Church
to Christ, Who Is Its Head. Eph.1:22, 23; Col.1:18; 2:19. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the church.htm

On the Catholic Church, Her Parts and Relations
... denominated "the one and holy church," from her form, which consists in the mutual
relation of the church, who by faith, embraces Christ as her head and spouse ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation liv on the catholic.htm

On the Regal Office of Christ
... II. The kingly office of Christ is a mediatorial function, by which, the Father ... and
in earth, and peculiarly the King and the head of his church, he governs ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxxvii on the regal.htm

The Christian Church
... The Head of the Church is Jesus Christ. ... 1. The organization was simple; each church
looked to Christ as its head (1 Corinthians 1:2-18,30; Ephesians 5:23). ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study ix the christian church.htm