CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH

(By Jay Yeager)

I understand the seriousness of this subject in light of the fact that the world’s attention is focused upon a man who lived and died claiming to be the head of the church. In fact, before this lesson is published, a group of men will be working fervently to pick a successor who will make the identical claim.

While I cannot control what others do and say, I can and will prove that no mere human being can rightfully claim to be the head of the church. “Well” says one, “how can you prove that?” Here is the answer--by giving the unmistakable language of God Almighty. Will that settle the matter for everyone? Sadly, such will not be the case and here are the reasons why:

  1. There are some who want false teaching (II Timothy 4:2-4).
  2. Some who simply do not care (Job 21:14-15)
  3. Others who have been seduced by the doctrine of devils (I Timothy 4:1-3).
  4. And still others who do not love the truth enough to know the difference (II Thessalonians 2:10-12).

But for honest souls, the word of God will settle the issue. Here is what God says about Christ and the church that is vital for our study.

“And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church. Which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23).

“And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first born from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18).

Folks, I would scare myself if I did not understand that! Who is the head of the church? Christ is! Anyone else? No! Christ is the head of the church that in all things He might have the preeminence. Beloved that is the scripture inspired of God (II Timothy 3:16). Further, it is the only logical conclusion one could draw for the following reasons:

  1. Jesus is the builder of the church. He called it my church (Matthew 16:18). Would Jesus build His church and then let another be the head of it? No!!!! He is the head over His own house (Hebrews 3:6).
  2. The purchase price of the church was Jesus’ own precious blood (Acts 20:28). Little wonder Jesus loves the church, He gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). Would Jesus die for the church and then surrender the head of the church to another? Not hardly!
  3. Jesus is the husband (Romans 7:4), the church is the bride (II Corinthians 11:2), Christians are married to Jesus Christ. Who is the head of the wife? Only one answer; the husband is the head of the wife (Ephesians 5:23).Who is the head of the church (the bride)? There is still only one answer; Jesus (the husband) is the head of the church!!!

Will a group of men get together and pick someone they will call the head of the church? Yes! Will that person be the head of the church? No!