THE PREEMINENCE AND HEADSHIP OF CHRIST

Let’s look at the second essential principle that is a must for any church in the list from yesterday.

1. Sufficiency and Authority of Scripture
2. The Preeminence and Headship of Christ
3. Holy Spirit Filled and Empowered
4. Indigenous Churches
5. Self-Sustaining Churches
6. Self-Governing Churches
7. Self-Propagating Churches

I happen to be reading a book today by Witness Lee who was contemporary with Watchman Nee in China.  It was amazing to find the next chapter (3) titled, “The Authority in the Church”.  I quote from the section, “The Headship and Lordship of Christ”:

          “The Head of the church is Christ the Lord, and the authority in the church is the headship of Christ.  It is clear that in the church there should be an order, but this order comes from the headship of Christ.  We must realize, honor and respect the headship of the Lord.  If we are not under the headship of the Lord, we can never be right in the order of the church.”

          Basic Principles of the Practice of the Church Life, Living Stream Ministry, 1999, page34.

Paul is just as adamant about this issue; “And He (Christ) is the head of the body, the church.  He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:18; see also Ephesians 1:22).  There cannot be spiritual growth and maturity in the church unless Christ is honored as the Head (Ephesians 4:15-16).  If this truth was properly recognized and obeyed in the church, most, if not all the problems, whether personal, marriage, family, or those in the church would be instantly resolved.  Christ must be preeminent or first, and supreme in all things and under His headship.