HE IS THE FIRSTBORN

HE IS ALL THINGS

” And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Col. 1:15-17

The climax in the unfolding of God's plan to make full revelation of Himself to men was to bring this image within the grasp of men. This is alluded to in the statement which follows in Col. 1:15. Christ is not only "the image of the invisible God," but He is also "the firstborn of every creature." By incarnation He was joined to the creation of which He is the Creator. He became man. He did not cease to be all that He was as God, namely, "the image of the invisible God," but in addition He has now taken on human flesh, and is in every respect also a true man. But His relationship to creation stands in a class all by itself. He is the "firstborn." While this word carried an original significance of priority in time, its very usage has changed and it has come to mean priority in position (2 Chron. 26:10; Psa. 89:27). Though united to creation by incarnation, yet He is higher in position than any creation, and the two verses which follow support this explanation (Col. 1:17, 19) where all fullness dwells. This means that the image of the invisible God is now within the grasp of men, and yet at the same time retains every element and value as a revelation of God. This term does not mean first in order of time, but more probably last in order of time. The firstborn is not one who is at the beginning but the ultimate flower and fruit-age of creation.