Cross Mission Media

Copyright © 1969 by
THE MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE
OF CHICAGO

Christ as Head of the Body also Directs its Activity The concept of Christ as Head has various usages in the New Testament and a sixfold headship can be indicated: 1. Dispensationally, Christ is the Head of the corner to Israel at His second coming (Acts 4:11; I Peter 2:7). 2. Racially, Christ is the Head of every man (I Cor. 11:3). 3. Ecclesiologically, Christ is the Head of the church, His bride (Eph. 5:23; Rev. 19:6-8). 4. Physiologically, Christ is the Head of the body, the church (cf. all Scripture in this context). 5. Cosmically, Christ is the Head of principalities and powers and has the universal lordship (Col. 2:10). 6. Representatively, Christ is the Head of the new creation (Rom. 5:12-21), though the word “head” does not appear in the context. Accordingly it should be observed that when Christ is referred to as the Head, it contextually should be classified according to its proper relationship. Common to the concept of a headship, however, is the thought of being Lord or having the power to direct. As the Head of the corner, for instance, Christ will lead Israel. As the Head of every man, He is in authority over the race. As the Head of the church, His bride, He takes the place of lordship as a Husband. In relation to the universe, Christ is Head over all other powers. As the Head of the race, Christ again takes the place of leadership over humanity in the same way that Adam did. The Scriptures frequently refer directly to the headship of Christ over His church as His body (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23-24; Col. 1:18; cf. I Cor. 11:3). The headship over the body in Ephesians 1:22-23 is revealed to be an important subdivision of His universal lordship.