Christ Our Savior (6)—Savior of the Body - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

Christ is Head of the Assembly. He is Savior of the body.
Ephesians 5:23

Christ Our Savior (6)—Savior of the Body
In chapter 5 of Ephesians, we have the walk of the believer; in other words, how we are to conduct ourselves in this world. We are to walk in love (v. 2), we are to walk as children of light (v. 8), and we are to walk in wisdom (v. 15).

The apostle Paul then brings this truth into the marriage relationship. The great example is the relationship of Christ and the Church. As the Assembly is subject to Christ, so wives are to be subject to their own husbands. As Christ loved His Assembly, so husbands are to love their wives.

Christ is the Head of the Church. As Head, He provides direction, nourishment, and control. Sadly, in our days, there is often a lack of "holding fast the Head" (Col. 2:19), and a lack of practical subjection to our Head, Christ.

Christ is not only the Head, but He is also the Savior of the body. This leads us into the three aspects of what Christ has done for His Church. He loved it and gave Himself for it (v. 25). His love is the source of all our blessing! He did not give any lesser gift than Himself. Secondly, He washes the Church with the water of the Word (v. 26). This is ongoing today. He uses His Word to maintain it for His pleasure and delight. May we take heed to His Word, and the portions He brings before us, not only in our personal devotions, but when we are gathered with His people! Thirdly, He is going to present His Assembly to Himself without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing (v. 27). This is still future, and we wait for this day. He waits even more!

He is the Savior because He gave Himself for the Church. As the Savior, He presently cleanses His people through the Word; and as the Savior He will come to catch His people out of this sinful world and to Himself. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Kevin Quartell