The Supremacy of Christ

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3.

Nothing can rival the place of Jesus in our lives. He is Lord over all. Colossians is a letter committed to heightening the impact of the person and power of Jesus Christ and His absolute supremacy. Paul presents Jesus as Lord over creation, the church, and all ministries. Paul gives seven reasons why Jesus is supreme: First, He is the perfect resemblance and representation of God. The very nature and being of God have been perfectly revealed in Him: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Colossians 1:15.

Second, Jesus is supreme because in Him all things were created. Everything in the universe continues to exist because of Him: “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17.

Jesus is supreme because He is the head of the church and also supreme because He is firstborn from among the dead. Christ rose from the dead never to die again. His resurrection marked His triumph and supremacy over death forever: “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” Colossians 1:18.

Fifth reason Paul gives Jesus is supreme is all the fullness dwells in Him. The Divine nature in all its fullness dwells in Christ. Fullness means completeness. Paul says the full and complete deity dwells, abides permanently, and supremely in Jesus Christ. He is the absolute and perfect God: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20.

Jesus is supreme because we have peace with God through His blood and the last reason given is Jesus is the Reconciler. We have received reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Peace has been made through His blood. God is not reconciled to us; we are reconciled to Him by Jesus Christ: 

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” Colossians 1:21-23.