Colossians 1v15-20: The Supremacy of Christ.

 By Graeme Tearle

 As Christians, we have a new perspective on who we follow, who we adore, and who ‘influences’ our manner of life and decisions.
 
At the time of writing, the church was experiencing false teachers who were reducing the deity of Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God.
 
God has revealed two great principles of His work in the universe:

• His Creation – that which He made for His own pleasure.
• His Re-creation, (salvation) – that which He has done for bringing that fallen creation back to Himself.

           Christ is Supreme over Creation, Colossians 1v15-17.
 
These verses are integral to the role Jesus had in the forming of the universe:

1. Image – God’s personal revelation of Himself to the creation.
2. First-born, this does not mean the first created, but the first in position over all creation.
3. All things created:
   • The physical universe – visible and invisible
   • The ruling universe – Christ is supreme over all authorities. False heresies had teachings about various beings and hierarchies bringing order and sustenance to the physical world, but Christ is over all.
   • The on-going universe – He is before, meaning Head of creation, and He is sustainer, meaning He holds it all together.

             Christ is Supreme over Redemption, v18-20.
 
These verses are integral to the role Jesus has in the forming of the reconciliation of creation back to God.
 
Reconciliation is that process which brings the creation back into it’s correct relationship with God.
 
For humans the medium is forgiveness through the blood of Christ on the Cross.
 
As the Head, He has supreme control:

• The church is His body, and He is the beginning in having formed it through His sacrifice and resurrection.
• Therefore He is the Head.
• The fullness of God dwells in Him for His pleasure, and the fullness of God flows through Him for reconciliation of creation, and peace through His blood.

 
Colossians : Points to Ponder.
Worship God and Christ the Lord for His almighty power in creation and love in salvation.