“And he is the head of the body, the church...” (Colossians 1:18)

By virtue of His work, Christ is the Head of the church. He earned the right by obeying, dying, resurrecting from the grave and ascending into Heaven. His union with the church is eternal by election, redemptive by the cross and immutable by the blood of the everlasting covenant. As the Head:

He is the Savior: “…even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.” (Ephesians 5:23) The angel told Joseph: “...he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) His mission was to deliver, by the sacrifice of Himself, His eternally chosen people from their sins. At the cross, He saved from the penalty of sin; in time and experience, He saves from the power of sin and in glory to come, He will save from the presence of sin.

He is the Sovereign: “…Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.” (Romans 9:5) Christ is “over all” for His elect, working all circumstances, events and happenings for their good, Romans 8:28. He oversees and rules to increase faith, love and patience. He brings them under the sound of the Gospel. He is the Sovereign of each individual believer and over the body of believers.

He is the Preserver: “And the LORD shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom…” (2 Timothy 4:18) As the Great Shepherd of His sheep, He carries His elect lambs in His mighty arms. He preserves them and they persevere. Paul said this, knowing himself close to being offered or martyred (v6), yet he didn’t charge God with unfaithfulness. We are secure in Christ's righteousness, imputed in time and eternity.