The Preeminence of Christ
Okay. I admit it— I am a wordnerd. I probably should join Adverbs Anonymous.
Word origins and meanings fascinate me. For example, the word “preeminent” is an adjective which means to be more than eminent, to put something above or before others. In Colossians 1: 15- 20, Paul gives four reasons Christ Jesus should be preeminent in our lives.
1. Christ is Preeminent in His Identity—“He is the image of the invisible God”
Jesus was God become visible. When Jesus was born, He was called “Immanuel, which translated means, God with us” ( Matthew 1: 23).
His birth meant God had literally come to dwell among people.
So, Jesus told Philip: “When you have seen Me, you have seen the Father” ( John 14: 9; Heb. 1: 3).
2. Christ is Preeminent in His Work—“By Him all things were created”
Jesus, with the Father and Holy Spirit, created all things ( Gen. 1: 1- 2).
He fashioned all things, “both in the heavens and on earth… all things have been created through Him and for him” ( Colossians 1: 16).
Jesus also works to sustain His creation—“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” ( Colossians 1: 17).
The whole universe would fly apart without His supervision.
3. Christ is Preeminent in His Position—“He is also head of the body, the church”
Jesus holds several preeminent positions.
He is the Head of His church— that called out assembly of baptized believers in Christ, who are covenanted together to carry out His commands. Jesus is the head of every church that belongs to Him.
One day everyone who has ever lived will recognize Christ’s preeminence: “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father” ( Philippians 2: 1011).
This does not mean every person will be saved— but that all will recognize that Christ is Lord— some willingly and others forcibly.
4. Christ is Preeminent in His Salvation—“Having made peace through the blood of His cross”
People can be saved and have peace with God through the bloody sacrifice of Christ on the cross. By faith in Him we are brought into fellowship— we are reconciled with God.
Jesus is preeminent over all. Is He preeminent in your life? Is He your Savior? Are you serving Him as your Lord? You can receive, love and follow Him today!