What does the Bible teach about the authority of the church?

In Reformed theology, the authority of the church is derived solely from Christ, as emphasized in Colossians 1:18, which states that Christ is the head of the body, the church. This affirms that all authority belongs to Him and that no man, including the Pope, has the right to assume that position of authority over God's people. This perspective aligns with the principle that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher of God’s people, guiding and instructing them in truth (John 14:26). Thus, the church must return to scriptural authority as the governing principle in teaching and doctrine, rejecting any human elevation above Christ.