The Church – The Body of Christ

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.’

The word church is usually associated with a building or a particular religion. And there is usually a designated head of each church or religion. However, the true church consists of Christians whose names are recorded in the Book of Life. This church is referred to in today’s verse as the ‘body of Christ.’ Although this body, or church has many members, with many different theologies and styles of worship, there is only one head – the Lord Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 12:2 Jesus is described as the ‘Author and Finisher of our faith’ and as such He alone is deserving to be the Head of His followers. In John 10 Jesus is the Shepherd and His church the flock, and in Revelation 21 He is the Bridegroom and His church the bride.

As a member of the triune God, Jesus alone is qualified to determine church doctrine, which is revealed to us through the Scriptures. Churches or denominations which adhere to the basic truths and principles of the Bible, and promote the essential doctrine of ‘salvation by grace through faith’ no doubt contribute greatly to building up the body of Christ. The church is founded on Christ Who ‘is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead’. This expresses Christ’s divinity and immortality, and attests to the fact that He is the first to have risen from the dead, never to taste death again. Finally, Christ must have preeminence or have first place over all of His creation, especially His body the church. Only He is worthy to rule and reign as Lord and Master over all things, including His church and every individual life.

Do you view your church as branch of the ‘body of Christ?
Do you see yourself as a member of the ‘bride of Christ
Is Christ not only Saviour but Lord of your life?