Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Christ: Head of the Church

Bible > Topical > Titles and Names of Christ

◄ Titles and Names of Christ: Head of the Church ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The title "Head of the Church" is a significant designation for Jesus Christ, emphasizing His supreme authority and leadership over the body of believers. This title is rooted in the New Testament and is foundational to understanding the relationship between Christ and His Church.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul explicitly refers to 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 highlights the divine appointment of Christ as the ultimate authority over the Church, which is described as His body, indicating a close and organic relationship.

Further, in Colossians 1:18 , Paul reiterates, "And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence." Here, the emphasis is on Christ's preeminence and His role as the source of life and resurrection for the Church.

Theological Significance

The title "Head of the Church" underscores several key theological truths:

1. Authority and Leadership: As the Head, Christ possesses ultimate authority over the Church. This authority is not merely administrative but is rooted in His divine nature and redemptive work. Believers are called to submit to His leadership, recognizing His sovereignty in all matters of faith and practice.

2. Unity and Cohesion: The metaphor of the body, with Christ as the Head, illustrates the unity and interconnectedness of believers. Just as a body functions under the direction of the head, the Church is to operate under the guidance and direction of Christ, maintaining unity in diversity.

3. Source of Life and Growth: Christ, as the Head, is the source of spiritual life and growth for the Church. Ephesians 4:15-16 states, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, through the work of each individual part." This passage emphasizes that spiritual maturity and growth are derived from a direct connection to Christ.

4. Protection and Care: As the Head, Christ provides protection and care for His Church. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11), ensuring their safety and well-being. His leadership is characterized by love, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to the welfare of His people.

Practical Implications

Understanding Christ as the Head of the Church has practical implications for believers. It calls for a posture of humility and obedience, recognizing His authority in all aspects of life. It also encourages believers to foster unity within the Church, working together harmoniously as members of one body. Additionally, it provides assurance of Christ's continual presence and guidance, offering comfort and strength in times of trial.

In summary, the title "Head of the Church" encapsulates the profound relationship between Christ and His followers, highlighting His authority, unity, life-giving power, and protective care. This understanding is central to the identity and mission of the Church as it seeks to fulfill its calling in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 5:23
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... The virgin is the church or the holy souls; in
the apostle: for I have pledged to show you to Christ, as a pure virgin ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour. ... Our high priest has all the names and
wants of his people ... John 14:4. Christ is called the head, and the church is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... He is the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which
he ... As he was called Christ, so was he anointed with the Spirit without ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

The Fourth Theological Oration, which is the Second Concerning the ...
... They are the titles of the Son. ... err, either in the loftier or the lowlier names;
Jesus Christ ... S. Gregory would here shew that the subjection of Christ of which ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxx the fourth theological.htm

Episcopalians.
... Deacons, which had their beginning from Christ and His ... Vicars, Curates, Archdeacons,
and such like names, being not ... All these are in truth but titles of office ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/episcopalians.htm

The Son of Man
... The Church has no more to do with Christ under the title of "The Son of Man" than
the Syro-Phoenician woman had ... [10] See The Divine Names and Titles, by Dr ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the son of man.htm

Antichrist.
... have invented so many places, offices, names, titles, orders, vows ... like it upon the
church of Christ, yet we ... thereof"yea, body and soul and head"are quickly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ...
... the mere title of primate and other titles of pride ... more weight, they falsely
substituted the names of ancient ... Peter was by the words of Christ constituted head ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 of the beginning.htm

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... Different names given to this dispensation, to show that ... they are commended by many
distinguished titles, as the ... in all things, who is the head, even Christ"? ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

On the Babylonish Captivity of the Church on the Babylonish ...
... nay, an Aristotelian theologian, to whom names and words ... If they are worthy that
Christ should bring them back ... war should be adorned with many titles of honour ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/iii on the babylonish captivity.htm