Who is Jesus and what did He come to do?
In theological circles those questions have to do with the person and work of Christ.
Who is Jesus?
This was the big question for the church at Colossae. False teachers had come who taught that Jesus was God but not human. Isn’t it amazing? The false teachers of today accept that Jesus was human but not that He is divine.
In Paul’s day the opposite occurred. These false teachers believed that matter is evil. Therefore, they assumed that Jesus could not be human because all matter is evil.
What you believe about Christ will determine how you live and what you believe in every area of life.
What did Paul affirm about the person of Christ? Colossians 1:15-23 gives the answer to these questions.
First, Christ is the image of God in bodily form. The word “image” means “an exact representation and revelation.” Jesus affirmed that those who had seen Him had seen the Father (John 14:9). The greatest revelation of God is through the giving of His Son.
Second, Christ is pre-eminent. He is the creator of all things. All things were created by Him and for Him. Since He is the creator, He is uncreated. The word “firstborn” refers to Christ as the one “of first importance, of first rank.” Jesus was “prior to all creation.” No wonder the wind and waves obeyed Him. He created it all. He is the master of all. All things exist for Him, and He holds everything together.
Third, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in Christ. The word “fullness” was used by the false teachers to describe the sum total of all the divine power and attributes. Thus, Paul turned the table on the false teachers by using their own word. The “fullness” of God was in Christ.
What does all this mean?
It means that the God of Creation has revealed Himself to us through His Son. It means that we know what God is like. And, it means we can trust Him with our lives today and with all eternity.
God through Christ has reconciled us to Himself. We are no longer far off. Now we live at peace with God. We are “complete” through our union with Christ (Colossians 2:10).
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4 Responses
I believe…..this is at the core of your total existence in this world. Believing that Jesus Christ was brought into this world, not of another man’s seed with woman but through the Holy Spirit coming from God with a chosen woman. Christ is God in human flesh and does represent and reflect God. How else could His plan for sinful man be carried out? But to believe in His Son Jesus Christ is the core of our being, living, and life in this world. And to see how God’s plan has brought us to peace with Him through Jesus. It’s the greatest example of how much He loves us. All through a simple task of believing. This was a great message Pastor and I thank you for speaking God’s word. I so hope others who hear or read your message understand this. Thank you and know that God is working strongly through you.
Thank you. You summarize the person and work of Christ beautifully
Your teaching and words of Godly wisdom are a delight as always.
I have reworked my book you reviewed many years ago and am in process of publishing it as “A Search for Truth” It is being published by Westbow Press a Div of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan and accepted after a few modifications. Hope it will help someone find The Triune God or some grow in there faith.
My original concept was to reach non believers, atheists or agnostics by revealing some basic truths from non religious sources and moving to the Bible, God, etc. Probably be a few months before it gets out. Will send a copy to FBC Covington Library. Plan to use any proceeds that might come from it for Missions thru your Church and Broadmoor Baptist. Have been fortunate to have good angels of the churches I’ve attended help enlighten me (preachers)
In Christ
Ray Weaver
congratulations, Ray!