The Head of the Church

by Terry Wane Benton

The church is described as the body of Christ, with Jesus as the head of that body. Thus, the church is a group of people so connected to Christ that the body does not act without a proper signal (authority) from the head. If the church acts without authority, the church is not properly attached to the head, Jesus.

"And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Ephesians 1:22-23 NKJV).

Every thought should be held captive to the obedience of Christ.

"Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled" (II Corinthians 10:5-6 NKJV).

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:16-17 NKJV).

Because the head has all authority, those who are bringing every thought into obedience to Christ try with all their mind and heart to “prove what is acceptable to the Lord” (Romans12:1-3). Jesus said, “Why call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?” (Luke 6:46). There is a disconnect from the head when doctrines, practices, words, behavior, and activities of the church collectively and distributively among every Christian is not tied to the authority of Jesus Christ.