Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 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: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell (Col. 1:15-19).
After the Apostle had given thanks to the Father for the perfect redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Col.1:12-14), now proceeds in these verses to describe the Redeemer Himself. This gives the believer confidence and assurance of his salvation because the One Who came to redeem and justify His people is Almighty God, Who cannot fail (Isa. 42:4). Notice these glorious descriptions of Jesus Christ carefully.
1). His Deity," Who is the image of the invisible God." Jesus Christ is the visible representation of the invisible God (1 Tim. 3:16).
2). His Lordship, " the firstborn of every creature." Our Redeemer is Lord of every creature by the immutable decree of God (Acts 2:36).
3). He is the Creator of all things, " by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth." All things were spoken into existence by the word of His power (John 1:1-3). He is the source and cause of creation (Heb. 1:1-3).
4). His eternality, " He is before all things, and by him all things consist." He said, "Before Abraham was I am" (John 8:56-58; John 17:5).
5). He is the Shepherd of His sheep, " He is the head of the body, the church." Our blessed Lord guides, cares, directs and loves His elect (Isa. 9:6; Eph. 5:23). He gave His life to purchase our salvation (John 10:15).
6). He is the Resurrection (John 11:25), "the firstborn from the dead." Because He conquered death by putting away our sin (Heb. 2:14), we shall be with Him forever (John 14:19; Rev. 1:18).
7). His glory, " in all things he might have the preeminence." Christ must have all the glory in our salvation (1 Cor. 1:30). He must and He does (Rev. 5:9-14). Who else is worthy of such honor and glory? (Psa. 115:1).
8). He is the storehouse of all blessings (Gen.41:56), "it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell." Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only source of all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3), redemption (Heb. 9:12), righteousness (Rom. 4:6), and regeneration (John 1:13).