“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in 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 may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight — if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.” Colossians 1:15-23
Colossians 1:15-23 offers a breathtaking vision of Jesus Christ, elevating Him far beyond a mere historical figure or a good teacher. This passage is a powerful reminder that Jesus is supreme over all creation and the head of the church, and only in Him do we find complete reconciliation.
The apostle Paul describes Jesus as “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (v. 15). This doesn’t mean He was created, but rather that He holds the preeminent position — He has the rights and authority of the firstborn son.
Paul wrote: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist (vv. 16-17).
Consider the vastness of the universe, the distant galaxies, the intricate ecosystems, and the very forces that govern nature. The text affirms that Jesus is the architect, the purpose, and the sustaining power of it all. The original Greek word for “consist” (or “hold together”) suggests that if Jesus withdrew His power for even a moment, the universe would unravel (cf. John 1:1-4; Heb. 1:1-3).
Do you recognize Christ as the one who holds your world together — your job, your family, your future? We often try to force stability through our own effort, but true security is found only in the one who created and sustains the cosmos.
Jesus’s preeminence isn’t limited to creation; it extends to the spiritual realm as well. Paul writes: “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (vv. 18-20).
As the “head of the body, the church,” Jesus guides, directs, and nourishes believers. His resurrection, being the “firstborn from the dead,” is the guarantee of our own resurrection and the ultimate proof of His victory over sin and death. By means of His sacrifice, the Father’s wrath against our sin is satisfied, and He desires to reconcile all things to Himself — both heavenly and earthly. The cross is the universal source of peace and restoration.
Paul makes this grand theological statement intensely personal for all who believe: “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight — if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard…” (vv. 21-23).
Before we trusted in Christ, we were “alienated and enemies” of God. But when we turned from our sinful ways and trusted in Christ’s death on the cross as our atoning sacrifice, that status changed completely. We are now reconciled to God that we might be presented before Him “holy, and blameless, and irreproachable.” This is an incredible gift of grace!
These final verses include a vital condition: that we “continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast.” This isn’t a challenge to earn our salvation, but a reminder that we are justified and counted righteous in God’s sight only through faith in Christ. Apart from such faith, we are dead in our sins and under the wrath of God (cf. John 3:14-18, 36; John 8:24).
Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing the majesty of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to recognize Him as the one who created and sustains all things, including us and our lives. By Your Spirit’s working through Your Word, keep us grounded and steadfast in the hope of the gospel — holding fast to Christ and His cross in faith — that we may be presented before You holy and without blame. Amen.
[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]