He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Colossians 1:15 WEB

The Bible teaches that God made us in his image. As we read in Genesis 1:27, “God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. WEB” Further, Paul teaches in verse fifteen of the first chapter of his letter to the Colossians that Christ is the firstborn of all creation, and also the very image of God.

Paul begins his letter to the church in Colossae with words of thanksgiving and the revelation of his prayers for faithful church members. In the opening, Paul reinforces the gospel message of God’s grace and salvation from sin through faith in Jesus Christ. His prayers include requests that God impart believers with knowledge and understanding through the power of his Holy Spirit. 

Jesus Is the Head of the Church

Paul’s assertion of Christ as the firstborn of all creation sets the foundation for his presentation of Jesus as the supreme example of godly behavior. As the firstborn of creation, Jesus is the head of the church which is the body of Christ. We read in Colossians 1:18, “He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence. WEB”

The words “the firstborn of creation” describe Jesus as the supreme example of godliness in creation. He is not created first but rather the greatest being over all of creation. Jesus was with God in the beginning of creation. Scripture teaches that Christ is the Creator. As we read in John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. WEB”

Yesterday’s Devotional: Two Sons