"He [Christ] 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" (Colossians 1:15-17, NKJV).
- This lesson answers the most important question: Who
is Jesus Christ?
- Paul wrote these words so we would know—without any doubt—that Jesus is not a creature. He is the Creator. He is God.
“He is the image of the invisible
God…”
- No human being has ever seen
God the Father with physical eyes.
- Jesus is the perfect picture of the Father.
- His love, mercy, and holiness show us exactly what God is like.
- When you see Jesus, you see God (John 14:9).
“…the firstborn over all creation.”
- This does not mean Jesus was the first being
God created.
- In the Bible, “firstborn”
often means highest rank, not first in time.
- God called David His “firstborn”
even though he was the youngest son (Psalm 89:27).
- God called Israel His “firstborn”
even though other nations were older (Exodus 4:22).
- Jesus holds the highest place over all creation because He is the Creator, not a creature.
“For by Him all things were created…”
- Everything in heaven and on earth was made by Jesus.
- Visible things: sun, moon, trees, animals, your own body.
- Invisible things: angels, powers, rulers, authorities.
- If Jesus Himself was created,
He would be part of “all things.”
- But He is the One who made
all things.
- A created being cannot create everything. Only God can.
“All things were created through Him and for Him.”
- Jesus is not only the Creator—He is also the reason
everything exists.
- The universe was made to
show His glory, His love, and His character.
- You were made by Jesus and for Jesus.
- Your life has meaning because He created you to know Him, love Him, and live with Him forever.
“And He is before all things…”
- Jesus existed before anything else existed.
- He told the religious leaders, “Before Abraham
was, I AM” (John 8:58).
- “I AM” is the name God used for Himself at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14).
- There has never been a time when Jesus did not exist. He is eternal.
“…and in Him all things consist.”
- “Consist” means Jesus holds everything together.
- The same power that keeps planets in their paths and atoms
connected is the power that holds your life in His hands.
- If Jesus stopped holding the universe, everything would fall apart.
What this means for you
- Jesus is God. He is not a prophet,
not an angel, not a created being.
He is the eternal God Himself.
- Your salvation is secure.
Only God could pay for sin. Because Jesus is God,
His death is enough to save you completely.
- You are held by Him. The Creator of the universe knows your name and holds your life. You are not forgotten.
This text is a clear declaration of who Jesus is: the eternal God, our Creator, our Sustainer, and our Savior. He alone is worthy of all worship.