| Jesus Christ - The Head of the Church Short Commentary on Colossians 1:13-18 |
| Colossians 1:13-18 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Three relationships of the blessed Son of God are alluded to in this complete passage: • First, His relationship in the Godhead-- He is the "image of the invisible God." • Second, His relationship to creation-- He is "the Firstborn of all creation," its Head. • Third, His relationship to the Church-- He is the "Head of the Body, the Church... The Firstborn from among the dead." It is obvious that the word "firstborn" as used by the Spirit here does not mean the first in order, but the first in position. Our Lord was not the first person to be raised out of the grave. Old Testament incidents will come to mind immediately, as well as of the three whom He Himself raised. But He is the Firstborn from among the dead in the sense that He is victor over death and the grave and is the Firstfruits of a new creation, by Whom God shall bring many sons into eternal glory. Christ is the Head of all creation. But creation was marred when Adam sinned, and if there was to be any hope, creation must be redeemed and issue forth into a new creation. So the Redeemer descended from the glory of Heaven to the sin-cursed earth. He, the perfect, sinless Son, the Head of all creation, was rejected of men, who said in effect: "This is the Heir; come let us kill Him, that the inheritance may be ours." He was nailed to the cruel cross. He died, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. But having been delivered for our offenses, He was raised again for our justification, and in this resurrection He became the Firstborn from among the dead. Thus in all things He has the pre-eminence-- specifically, in eternity, in creation, and in redemption. Since in Christ all fullness is pleased to dwell, since it is the will of God that in all things He might have the pre-eminence (and He has), there evolves a personal question: "Does He hold the pre-eminent place in our lives?" It is written that He is the Head of all things, the Head of His Body-- which is the Church. But is He pre-eminent in the sphere of your living? Or does some person, or some other thing, hold His prerogative? Is self enthroned, or is Christ enthroned in your heart? The pre-eminent place belongs to the One Who is pre-eminent in revelation, creation, redemption and consummation. As we lay hold of Him and on His glory, we shall walk worthy of His Name, Who is our All and in all. Taken from Our Hope Magazine, August 1944. ©2008 Cobblestone Road Ministries All Rights Reserved ---------------------------------------------------- Further Reading: Eternal Security Of Believers The Preeminence of the Lord Jesus In Him - The Fulness of God In Him - The Treasures Of Wisdom and Knowledge Honour and Glory Unto Him by ACG Believers "Made In" Christ Jesus "Much More" - Bible Word Study Assurance of Salvation By J. Vernon McGee The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ |
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