The saving head of the church

As he has praised Christ as the head of the first creation, Paul now ascribes all honour to him as the head of the new creation. He assumes this pre-eminence as the Redeemer through his saving acts and glorious resurrection. He is the head of the body, the church, a declaration encompassing his saving role and relationship, and his sovereign right and rule.

With regard to the first, Paul's statement is one of plain singularity or particularity: it is emphatic and definite - one head with one body, the one church. We are not in Christ because in the church as a mere external and formal attachment, but in the church because in Christ by vital union.

There is also organic unity here: a Spirit-wrought union which lies at the root of all blessings and privileges, involving a unity of identity and standing, and a unity of endeavour and purpose.

What privilege, blessing, joy and security belong to Christ's church!