A note from our Pastor:

“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:”

Colossians 1:15

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Starting in verse 13, the Apostle Paul describes various attributes and truths about Jesus Christ. In verse 13, he establishes that Jesus is a spiritual king. In verse 14, the Apostle addresses the subject of eternal salvation. Now, in our study verse, the subject is a presentation of the nature of Christ in relation to God the Father.

This verse has drawn significant attention from theologians over the years. Their commentaries are filled with pages worth of analysis and cross-references to other scriptures. For the sake of this study, and in this forum, I will not try to explore the depths of analysis. Rather, this study will present a summarized understanding that you as Bible students might be able to apprehend the meaning of the Apostle.

The first phrase of this verse raises a question. How can Jesus Christ be the image of God if God is a spirit and has never been seen? The core meaning of this verse is based on an understanding of the nature of Jesus Christ. He is, in all ways, perfectly aligned with God the Father. His attributes, thoughts, mercy, love, and ultimately his actions are perfectly synced with God the Father. Likewise, all of these in God the Father and Jesus Christ are perfectly synced with the Holy Spirit.

Indeed, God the Father has never been seen by human eyes. He is seen by Jesus Christ in heaven. (John 6:46) He is seen by the angels as they are spirit beings as well. But human eyes cannot behold the glory of God. But human eyes have seen Jesus Christ. The term “image” in this verse means nature or essence. The meaning of the Apostle in this verse is that through Jesus, and his incarnate form, mankind was able to look upon the very nature of God. Not that his physical form was the image of God. But rather that he is perfectly aligned and equal with God.

The last phrase in this verse can be confusing. The Apostle says that Jesus is the firstborn of every creature. Here we run into multiple confusions with the limitations of language. Jesus, in his divine nature, is often referred to as the only begotten son of God. This does not mean that God the Father existed and that he created Jesus Christ. The language, which is clearer in John 6:46, means that Jesus is of God. He has existed from before time and will exist throughout all eternity. So what is meant by Jesus being the firstborn of every creature? It is simply a reference to his divine nature and his presence at the creation of the world.

Although this verse is not easy to read, we learn from the Apostle that Jesus is divine, was at the creation, and, in his incarnation, was the image of God for mankind to see.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah