A note from our Pastor:

“ 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:”

Colossians 1:16

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week is a direct continuation of the thought introduced in the prior verse. The Apostle ends verse fifteen by saying that Christ is the firstborn of all creatures, meaning that he existed and was present at creation. This point is expounded upon in this verse.

The Apostle begins with all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth. At the simplest level, this is an ancient phrase meaning all of creation. It does not matter if it crawls, walks, flies, or is inanimate it was created by God. By this phrase, it means that God created both the earth and all that is on it. And also the skies and all that have their residence there (planets, stars, etc.). But it also means that God (the three in one) created what is in heaven as well. The angels and those children of God that have passed on from this life. Thus, all things were created by God and Jesus was present for all creation.

Second, the Apostle says that God created all things whether they be visible or invisible. God created those things, such as animals and plants, that by the natural eye we can witness. He also created those things we cannot easily observe such as the molecules that make up life or the forces of gravity that make life possible. It is not necessary for us to understand the details of this, but by faith, we believe it.

Finally, he created all thrones, dominions, or principalities. We must be careful with our understanding of this portion of the verse. We understand with animals as an example that new animals are born each day through natural processes. God does not reach down and create each of those directly. The same principle is true with these political authorities. It is faulty logic and poor theology to believe that if a person is elected or forces their way into an office they are ordained by God. That is not the meaning of this verse. The meaning is, that God created mankind, created the way mankind will govern, and thus created all forms of authority.

A core understanding that goes with this verse is that God has authority over all things. In the Old Testament, he sent plagues, he caused the earth to stand still, and he used political forces to chastise his people. In the New Testament, God does not exercise his authority in this manner but it does not lessen his ability to do so. We as disciples should not lose our respect and awe for the power God yields.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah