The Headship of Christ (3)

Oscar M. Baker

Six times we find the headship of Christ mentioned in the Word; 3 times in Ephesians, and 3 times in Colossians. Since it is connected with the Dispensation of the Mystery, we do not find it mentioned by the apostles of the circumcision, nor by Paul before Acts 28:28. Let us look at these:

"And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the church" (Eph. 1:22). Here Christ is above 5 things; principality, power, might, dominion, and every name. All things are put under His feet and He is head over all things to the church (which is His body). All this, that He might have the preeminence in all things. We now live in an era described as the fullness of times or seasons where God has gathered together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth.

"...May grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ: from whom the whole body..." (Eph. 4:15,16). This is the result of truthing in love. Note the context showing the close relation of the Head and the parts of the body and their increase, the important part being that it is in love. This is how edification is accomplished. It is apparent that there can be no separation of the Head and the body. That is why we are said to be where He is, at the right hand of the Father.

"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" (Eph. 5:23). In the ideal relationship of husband and wife we may see a shadow of the relation of Christ and His church. It does not say that Christ is the husband of the church or that it is His wife or bride. He is Head; and He is the Savior or preserver.

"And He is the Head of the body, the church..." (Col. 1:18). As in the first reference in Ephesians, this is in a context of powers, where all things are reconciled. And these all things are limited to heaven and earth and are thrones, dominions, principalities, powers, whether visible or invisible. Neither man or the devil are mentioned in this reconciliation. Furthermore, there is no mention of any beings being members of this church except those formerly known as Jews and Gentiles, reconciled to each other, and reconciled in one body to God. This is a distinct creation.

"And ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power" (Col. 2:10). Filled to the full in Him, is the idea here. Again His Headship is not limited only to the church which is His body, but He also is in a place of Headship in relation to all dominion in the universe.

"And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God" (Col. 2:19). This is in a context of warning about rituals, false humility, angel worship, intruding into the unseen; which all detract from holding Christ as Head. Nourishment and strength are found only in Him.


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