Topical Bible: the Head of the Church Christ: Imparts Gifts

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In Christian theology, Christ is recognized as the Head of the Church, a title that signifies His supreme authority and leadership over the body of believers. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture, where Christ's role as the Head is intricately connected to His function of imparting spiritual gifts to the Church. These gifts are essential for the edification, unity, and growth of the body of Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, articulates the role of Christ as the Head of the Church and His distribution of gifts. Ephesians 4:7-8 states, "Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. This is why it says: 'When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.'" This passage highlights that the ascension of Christ was a pivotal moment for the Church, as it marked the beginning of His distribution of spiritual gifts.

Nature and Purpose of the Gifts

The gifts imparted by Christ are diverse and serve various functions within the Church. Ephesians 4:11-12 elaborates, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." These roles are not exhaustive but represent a spectrum of gifts intended to equip believers for service and to foster spiritual maturity.

The purpose of these gifts is further explained in Ephesians 4:13-14 : "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming." Here, the gifts are seen as instruments for achieving unity, maturity, and doctrinal stability within the Church.

Christ's Sovereignty in Distribution

Christ's sovereignty in the distribution of gifts is emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:11 , which states, "All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills." This underscores the divine prerogative in the allocation of gifts, ensuring that each believer receives what is necessary for their role in the body of Christ.

Unity and Diversity in the Body

The impartation of gifts by Christ also highlights the unity and diversity within the Church. As the Head, Christ orchestrates a harmonious functioning of the body, where each member, endowed with unique gifts, contributes to the common good. Romans 12:4-5 affirms this, "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another."

Conclusion

The role of Christ as the Head of the Church encompasses His authority to impart spiritual gifts, which are vital for the Church's mission and health. Through these gifts, believers are equipped for service, unity is fostered, and the Church is built up in love and truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 68:18
You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive: you have received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 4:8
Why he said, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.
... of the Holy Spirit all believers being vitally united to Christ, who is the Head,
are thus ... holy office, qualifies all other officers in the Church for their ...
/.../the presbyterian church in the.htm

The Communion of Gifts.
... while the Body must follow the Head wherever it ... In the Church are many saints, and
every one says ... Lord." Surely every saint finds in Christ something especially ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvii the communion of gifts.htm

On the Vocation of Sinful Men to Christ, and to a Participation of ...
... God given to the mediator, and the Spirit of Christ, the King and the Head of His ...
For he appoints bishops in the church, he sends teachers, he furnishes ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlii on the vocation.htm

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... 565]4; by the Word, [566]35; in putting on Christ, [567]29 ... and all in one faith,
[586]105; communicates life from the Head to the whole Church, as natural ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

On the Roman Pontiff, and the Principal Titles which Are
... he boasts of himself as the spouse, the head, and the foundation of the church,
endowed with ... he professes himself to be the vicegerent of Christ, and to ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 21 on the roman.htm

Articles vii and viii: of the Church.
... says: And gave Him to be the Head over all ... If we will define the Church only as an
outward ... spiritual, as nevertheless it is, that therein Christ inwardly rules ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 11 articles vii and.htm

The Author and the End of Theology
... shall glorify Christ," as constituted by God the Mediator and the Head of the Church;
and he ... John's Gospel , Christ thought it necessary to ask of his Father ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration ii the author and.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan
... and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou ... Conformity to worldly customs converts
the church to the world; it never converts the world to Christ. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 30 enmity between man.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan.
... and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou ... Conformity to worldly customs converts
the church to the world; it never converts the world to Christ. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /30 enmity between man and.htm

Christ's Question to Each
... a creed which lies idly in a man's head, and never ... fashion in which people stand
up in church or chapel ... whole nature to cast yourselves on Jesus Christ as your ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christs question to each.htm