How does Jesus Christ exercise his authority in the Church?

The correct response identifies that Jesus Christ exercises His authority in the Church primarily through the Word and Spirit, acting through church officers. This concept is rooted in the understanding of church leadership as a means by which Christ continues to guide and govern His followers.

The authority of Christ is reflected in Scripture, which serves as a foundational text for teaching, reproof, and guidance for the church community. The Holy Spirit also plays a vital role, empowering church officers to lead, teach, and shepherd the congregation in accordance with God’s will. This dual mechanism ensures that the teachings and direction of Christ are faithfully applied and interpreted within the context of the community.

In contrast, establishing new rituals and traditions does not capture the essence of Christ's authority, which is grounded in His revealed Word and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Alliances with political leaders can divert the focus of the Church from its spiritual mission and may lead to compromise of its core principles. Personal revelations, while they may offer individual guidance, do not provide the consistent and unified authority needed for the Church as a whole, ensuring that it remains aligned with Christ's teachings.