Colossians 1:15-23
Q.1. How did Paul describe the Saviour? What special place does Christ have in the universe? In what way is He the Head of the Church? – (Col.1:15-19)
God chose to fully reveal Himself through the Person of His Son so that, what is unknown might be seen – for it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him (Col.1:19 c.f. Col.1:15-16). This includes all that has been created – … both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created through Him and for Him (Col.1:16). As the Co-Creator, Jesus is first in rank before all else … and in Him all things hold together (Col.1:17). He reserves first place as the Head of the Church which is His visible body. He achieved this pre-eminence, by being the only One to be permanently raised to life after dying (Col.1:18).
Q.2. How did Christ reconcile rebels to Himself? What is God’s ultimate intention for us? – (Col.1:20-23)
Jesus made peace for sinners before a holy God – through the blood of His cross (Col.1:20). His reconciliation through His death is for all believers, on earth and in Heaven, who have trusted in God’s provision of salvation, before or after the Cross. Paul told the Colossians that God’s overarching plan is – … to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach (Col.1:23). The proof of real faith is shown when our former hostility to God is removed, and we continue steadfastly in the hope of the Gospel (Col.1:21 & 23).