The Greatness of ChristSample

Jesus Christ, the Firstborn

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

In Colossians 1:15–23, we have one of the greatest passages in the Bible on the glory of Christ. The passage begins with the sublime statement: “He is the image of the invisible God.” This means that Christ is the very image of God. He is the exact representation of God, for He is God. The Son of God is indeed God the Son. In Christ, the invisible God takes visible form. When you see Jesus, you see God. Jesus once said to Philip, “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

So many people have distorted ideas about who God is, that they have rejected a God who doesn’t even exist. They have rejected a caricature of God. If you want to know what God is like, then look at Jesus, for Jesus is the image of the invisible God. 

The phrase “firstborn of all creation” has been abused and distorted by cults. The term does not mean that Jesus was created, as Jehovah’s Witnesses suggest. In the ancient Near East, to be a firstborn meant much more than it does in our culture. To be the firstborn son meant you had a position of privilege and honor. Over time, the term “firstborn” was used as a title of honor even when not referring to the oldest son.

For example, in Exodus 4:22, God calls Israel his firstborn. This simply means that Israel was specially chosen and loved by God; it has no reference to Israel being born or being an oldest son. It is simply a title of honor and privilege. 

Even more clear is the reference to David in Psalm 89:27: “I will make him [David] the firstborn.” David was not the oldest boy; indeed, he was the youngest. But he was the son of Jesse that God honored and exalted. So what does this title mean in Colossians 1:15? To say that Christ is the Firstborn of all creation is to say that He has priority over all, just as an oldest son has priority over other sons. 

Jesus Christ has the place of preeminence, honor, and glory in the universe. He has the place of supremacy above all. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. There is no one like Him. No wonder Augustine once wrote of Christ, “In my wounded heart I saw your splendor, and it dazzled me.” Are you dazzled by the splendor of Christ?