Colossians 1:18-19 And he is the head of the body, the church [congregations]: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell
‘And he is the head of the body.’ Christ is the head [centre or middle point] of Christian congregations (Eph. 5:23). He is the Saviour of it. Christian congregations must be subject to Christ in all things (Eph. 5:24). Christ gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:25) and Christ sanctifies Christians with the washing of the Word (Eph. 5:26). Christ cleanses us with the washing by the Word. Christ will receive Christians to Himself (Eph. 5:27; John 14:1-3; 1Thess. 4:16; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; Col. 3:4). Christ is making us glorious (1Cor. 6:11; 2Cor. 3:18). Christ is making it spotless, perfect, holy and faultless. Christ nourishes it (cares for, brings up, protects it; Eph. 5:29). Christ cherishes us (fosters, warms in His bosom). We are part of Christ (Eph. 5:30-32; 1Cor. 12:12-13, 27). We are one with Christ (1Cor. 6:17; Rom. 12:4-5).
Christ is the Head, Saviour, Sanctifier, Purifier, Glorifier, Builder, Nourisher, Cherisher, Unifier, Protector, and the Receiver of all Christians (Eph. 5:23-33).
‘The church’ [Greek: ekklēsia] a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): – assembly, congregation. Please note that the King James Version like most English versions changed the word assembly and congregation to church referring to the Catholic structure of serving God through paganism.
Hebrews 10:25 gives the only correct New Testament description: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
To be continued…
Living the Word 