Topical Bible: The Church: Subject to Christ

◄ The Church: Subject to Christ ►

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The concept of the Church being subject to Christ is a foundational tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing the relationship between Jesus Christ and His followers. This relationship is often depicted as that of a bride to her bridegroom, underscoring themes of love, submission, and unity.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a clear depiction of the Church's subjection to Christ. In Ephesians 5:23-24 , the Apostle Paul writes, "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. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." This passage highlights the hierarchical structure where Christ is the head, and the Church is His body, indicating a relationship of authority and submission.

Christ as the Head

The metaphor of Christ as the head of the Church is significant. Colossians 1:18 states, "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 emphasizes Christ's supremacy and leadership over the Church, affirming His role as the source of life and direction for His followers.

The Bride of Christ

The imagery of the Church as the bride of Christ further illustrates the intimate and covenantal relationship between Christ and His Church. Revelation 19:7 proclaims, "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready." This eschatological vision portrays the ultimate union between Christ and the Church, symbolizing purity, devotion, and readiness.

Submission and Obedience

The Church's subjection to Christ involves a call to obedience and alignment with His teachings. John 14:15 records Jesus saying, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This obedience is not merely a duty but a response of love and devotion, reflecting the Church's commitment to live according to Christ's will.

Unity in the Body

The Church's submission to Christ fosters unity among believers. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 , Paul explains, "The body is a unit, though it is comprised of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink." This unity under Christ's headship is essential for the Church's mission and witness in the world.

Role of the Church

As the body of Christ, the Church is called to continue His work on earth, proclaiming the Gospel and serving as a light to the nations. Matthew 28:19-20 records the Great Commission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This mission is carried out under the authority and guidance of Christ, to whom the Church is subject.

Conclusion

The Church's subjection to Christ is a profound and multifaceted doctrine that shapes its identity, mission, and relationship with the Savior. Through submission, obedience, and unity, the Church fulfills its calling as the body and bride of Christ, living out its purpose in accordance with His divine will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 7:4
Why, my brothers, you also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that you should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit to God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 5:24
Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ...
... as we may, our view of what belongs to this subject. The body is the Church, and
we learn from Peter [5118 ... of David, who builds this house, is a type of Christ. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the temple spoken of.htm

Of the Subject to whom to the Key of Church Priviledge, Power, or ...
... Of the subject to whom to the key of Church ... It is a priviledge or a liberty the Church
hath received ... of their Elders, as the publike service of Christ, and of ...
/.../chap iiii of the subject.htm

Of the Subject to whom the Key of Authority is Committed.
... Christ soon after his ascension poured out a larger measure ... reply, That if the Prophets
in the Church at Corinth ... of prophesie, they had not been subject to the ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap v of the subject.htm

Be Subject to the Bishop, Etc.
... And be ye subject also to the presbytery, as to the ... who are [ministers] of the mysteries
of Christ Jesus; for ... meat and drink, but servants of the Church of God ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the trallians/chapter ii be subject to the.htm

Of the Subject of the Power of the Keyes, to whom they are ...
... Of the subject of the power of the keyes, to whom ... the Church, but to some before
they enter into the Church. ... grace of faith, by it may receive Christ and his ...
/.../chap iii of the subject.htm

On the Power of the Church in Administering Justice, or on ...
... as is intimated by the word of Christ, in Matthew ... One of the principal ministers
of the church, however, will be ... We allow it to be made a subject of discussion ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lvii on the power.htm

History of the Christian Church, Volume I
... Section 65. The Church and the Kingdom of Christ. CHAPTER XI. THEOLOGY OF THE APOSTOLIC
CHURCH. Section 66. ... Faith and Criticism. **Indexes**. Subject Index. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/history of the christian church volume i/

The Christian Church
... His Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit, now begins its victorious career. Human
Elements."The divine institution of the church has been subject to the ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study ix the christian church.htm

The Future of Christ's Kingdom First Group of Epistles the First ...
... which called it forth and in connection with the church, group of ... They treat of but
one doctrinal subject"the second coming of Christ." It should be ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study vii the future of 2.htm

They came to be in his Presence
... ceased to be heartened by the throngs that crowded the old church, filled up the ...
but does so with the word that "all things are subject to Christ." "We see ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/they came to be in.htm