3.4.13 Jesus Christ as the head of the church

Jesus Christ has returned to the Father, however, He also is present here on earth in the Holy Spirit even after His ascension. He, to whom all authority has been given in heaven and on earth, thereby fulfils His promise: "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28: 20). The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ (John 16: 14) and attests to His presence in the church.

Apostle Paul variously uses the image of the "body of Christ" to represent the church. For example, Christ is praised as the "head of the body, the church" (Colossians 1: 18) in a hymn of praise to the glory of God.

The church of the Lord has many members and is nonetheless one body, "for by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body" (1 Corinthians 12: 13). This symbolism makes it clear that the church of the Lord is not merely an institution or organisation. The church of the Lord is more than the sum of its parts–it is a living organism led by Christ, the head. It is a gift of God and has been called forth from the realm of human accessibility (see 6).